The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida is one that you should definitely pencil in as a place to visit for your travels in 2018 (or one last vacation spot for 2017). As NYC is currently going through one of it’s awful cold fronts, many of us Manhattanites are looking for any space to go to that provides shelter, and hopefully some more amenities. This past weekend, I got to experience all that and more at The Diplomat Beach Resort, and it is one that I will truly never forget.
It would truly be hard for me to understand how anyone could not have a great time at this location. Take the weather aspect out of it, we all hate the cold. Hollywood (which is surrounded by major cities in Florida like Fort Lauderdale and Miami), is only about 20 minutes away from Fort Lauderdale’s airport, as I was whisked towards The Diplomat in a very short time and started my experience the minute I stepped foot out of my car.
Upon arrival, the first thing I thought of was “My lord, this place is huge!” I had a hard time taking it all in, for one, because my focus was purely on dropping my bag and seeing my room, but the entrance really is majestic and has so much to see. I sort of felt like Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, except instead of candy surrounding me it was splashes of so much color from the seating and more, that it really was a sight for sore eyes in the best way possible.
After checking in, I went all the way up to my room, which happened to be one of their premiere corner suites. My heart dropped louder than my bag that hit the floor, as I gazed in amazement of just how unbelievably beautiful the room actually was! For one… THE VIEW! The freaking view from it overlooked the sandy beaches and beautiful, crystal water that made waking up each day something truly special. The room itself had shades of blue that mimicked the surrounding areas of Florida, and I felt like I was in some sort of lush paradise (which honestly, I was).
After being wowed by my room, I headed downstairs for my first foodie assignment at The Diplomat Beach Resort. All of their phenomenal restaurants are located on premise, meaning if you don’t want to travel outside, you don’t have to (and you really don’t need to, honestly). The first place that I went was Point Royal by Geoffrey Zakarian.
I’m a big fan of Geoffrey’s, and given his wonderful reputation in the culinary world, I wasn’t surprised at all that the food I ate was simply superb. Modern American cuisine done right in this case, with some incredible options like Crawfish Mac & Cheese, GZ Butter Poached Lobster Roll (holy moly insanely good) and their Crab Croquettes were amazing and a great kickoff to a fabulous weekend.
The second day was all about relaxation 101 for me, as I did nothing but lounge by one of their enormous pools, drank some delicious drinks, had a facial and enjoyed the cool breeze that Florida has to offer.
If you can afford it, I would recommend renting out one of their cabanas by pool level. You get the added comfort of a beautiful room with a comfortable couch, a fan to cool you down from the sweltering heat, a fridge stock full of drinks and a television to watch whatever you please.
At the same time, lounging on one of their chairs with the umbrella helping out big time with major shade while ordering some delicious food from their restaurant Playa is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. If you are very hungry, then order up a plate of their scrumptious Chicken Wings with ancho chili dry rub or a big heaping of their Chopped Salad with all the fixings (jicama, black beans, queso fresco, pickled red onion, tortilla strips, and an avocado vinaigrette). Wash it all down with a Pina Colada and you’ll truly be in business.
Afterwards, I got a tour of their property which truly showed just how big The Diplomat Beach Resort really is! They have a Convention Center attached to it, which boasts as one of the largest in the state of Florida and by the looks of it, in the country! It is massive in size, and decorated beautifully in each room. If you are looking to host a big event there, this would be a space to check out.
You can’t have a fabulous stay at a hotel like this and not expect to treat yourself to something decadent. Their Luxury Spa located within the property is perfection, with tons of options to choose from including massages, facials, body treatments and more. The atmosphere is incredibly calming and will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready for the rest of your trip.
For dinner that night, we were set up at another one of their restaurants called Monkitail, which was voted The Best Hotel Restaurant in the USA by USA Today, so naturally I went in thinking it was amazing. I was right. The space at Monkitail is a two parter of sorts, one space being more bar friendly and the other providing a much more intimate atmosphere.
The Japanese inspired tasting menu is one that is worth every single penny, as chef Michael Schulson expertly crafts each dish the way it’s supposed to be, with an end result that explodes in your mouth. Favorite dish from the tasting menu? The Beef Short Rib (for two). I ate it for one, and don’t care what you think. It was awesome.
Before leaving Sunday morning, I took a nice stroll on the beach right behind The Diplomat. The overall lay of the land is breathtaking and gorgeous, but it also became a sad reminder that I was leaving that afternoon and wishing I could go back. The Diplomat Beach Resort is something that is not only unique and fun, but really special and if there is a place to really “treat yo self” to this holiday season and beyond, then this would be it. 10 out of 10 in my book.
For more information on The Diplomat Beach Resort, please check out their official website.